Corrugated Sheet Insulating Container for Passive Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature control solutions for transporting and storing thermally sensitive goods are inefficient, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly, as they rely on non-degradable plastics and phase change materials that are costly and pose disposal issues, while also requiring electrical power and being unsuitable for small containers or home delivery.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating transport/storage container made from multi-layered corrugated sheet material, which provides high thermal resistance and mechanical shock protection, using single-sided corrugated sheet with closures that fit tightly to prevent heat transfer and allow for easy assembly and disassembly, potentially incorporating phase change materials for extended temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multi-layer plastics foam is used for thermal insulation, then thermal resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses corrugated board as a composite material structure that combines insulation and structural functions. The corrugated geometry creates air pockets that provide thermal insulation while the board itself provides mechanical strength, eliminating the need for separate foam insulation layers and complex assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thicknesses of corrugated board in different locations based on thermal requirements. Thicker board is used in areas with higher thermal loads, optimizing insulation performance while minimizing overall material usage and complexity.
2Temperature
If phase change materials are used for temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but environmental harm and disposal difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of corrugated board materials themselves - the air pockets within the corrugated structure undergo phase changes in response to temperature fluctuations, absorbing and releasing heat to stabilize internal temperature without requiring harmful phase change materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of heat transfer into a beneficial thermal mass effect. The corrugated board's structure allows it to absorb excess heat during the day and release it at night, stabilizing temperatures without requiring additional materials that would harm the environment.
3Temperature
If refrigeration units are used for temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive thermal management where the corrugated board structure itself regulates temperature through its inherent thermal mass and insulation properties. The system serves itself by absorbing heat when ambient temperature is high and releasing it when ambient temperature is low, without requiring external energy input or active refrigeration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic thermal cycles where the corrugated board absorbs and releases heat in rhythm with ambient temperature fluctuations. This periodic thermal exchange stabilizes internal temperatures without continuous energy consumption, contrasting with continuous operation of active refrigeration systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-degradable plastics are used for container construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but environmental harm worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from synthetic non-degradable plastics to natural degradable materials like corrugated board. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture through standardized production processes while fundamentally improving environmental compatibility through biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs corrugated board containers that are designed for single-use or limited-use applications. These inexpensive, easily manufactured containers are disposed of after use, but their environmental impact is minimized because they are made from degradable materials that break down naturally, unlike persistent plastics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly temperature control for thermally sensitive goods, maintaining temperature stability for an extended period without the need for electrical power, suitable for both small and large containers, and can be reused or recycled, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of temperature-controlled logistics.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular wall element (21) comprised of a multiple-layer winding (11) of single-sided corrugated sheet
Implementation Method 2
potentially incorporating phase change materials for extended temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating transport/storage container for transporting/storing temperature sensitive materials, with a generally tubular wall element defining a load volume between first and second apertures at either end thereof, the tubular wall element having an axis. First and second closures operate to close first and second apertures and fastening means operable to secure said first and second closures. The tubular wall element comprises a multiple-layer winding of single-sided corrugated sheet, with the layers coupled together whereby to define a high level of thermal resistance.